ABC’s of Skin Cancer

The ABC’s of Skin Cancer and very good information

For a very good overview of skin cancer/melanoma, try the National Comprehensive Cancer Networks patient guide. Here is a quick link and you’ll probably want to start about page 8.

Pre-Cancers

Actinic Keratosis or AK is a very common skin problem that must be treated before it becomes a more serious form of Skin Cancer. For more information try this link from the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

BCC is a non-Melanoma Skin Cancer and the most common skin cancer in the US and the face is the most common place to find basal cell skin cancer. For a quick over view click on this link at the American Academy of Dermatology. For a more detailed description and treatment options try this link at Memorial Sloan Kettering.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer. Skin cancer falls into two groups: nonmelanoma and melanoma. Squamous cell is a type of nonmelanoma skin cancer. More information on Squamous Cell Carcinoma can be found at the National Library of Medicine, click here.

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Understanding Skin Cancer or Melanoma

Warning signs:

Moles, brown spots and growths on the skin are usually harmless — but not always. Anyone who has more than 100 moles is at greater risk for melanoma. The first signs can appear in one or more atypical moles. That’s why it’s so important to get to know your skin very well and to recognize any changes in the moles on your body. Look for the ABCDEs of melanoma, and if you see one or more, make an appointment with a physician immediately.

Asymmetric: If you draw a line through this mole, the two halves will not match.

Border: The borders of an early melanoma tend to be uneven. The edges may be scalloped or notched.

Color: Having a variety of colors is another warning signal. A number of different shades of brown, tan or black could appear. A melanoma may also become red, blue or some other color.

Diameter: Melanomas usually are larger in diameter than the size of the eraser on your pencil (1/4 inch or 6 mm), but they may sometimes be smaller when first detected.

Evolving: Any change — in size, shape, color, elevation, or another trait, or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching or crusting — points to danger.